Potential and Kinetic Energy Calculations

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What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height above a reference point.

Front

How do you calculate gravitational potential energy?

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Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula: PE = mgh, where m = mass (kg), g = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h = height (m).

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

How do you calculate kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where m = mass (kg) and v = velocity (m/s).

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What is the relationship between mass and kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, kinetic energy increases if velocity remains constant.

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What is the relationship between velocity and kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity; if velocity doubles, kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

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What is the formula for calculating height from gravitational potential energy?

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To find height (h) from gravitational potential energy, rearrange the formula: h = PE / (mg).

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What is the significance of free-fall acceleration in energy calculations?

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Free-fall acceleration (g) affects gravitational potential energy calculations; it varies slightly depending on location (e.g., Earth vs. other planets).

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How does air resistance affect a skydiver's fall?

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Air resistance increases with speed and eventually balances the force of gravity, leading to terminal velocity where the skydiver falls at a constant speed.

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What is terminal velocity?

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Terminal velocity is the constant speed an object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by air resistance, resulting in no further acceleration.